What Are the Differences Between General Elections and By-Elections? Ian Richards

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Volume 22, Number 4, April 2013 Extension What are the differences between general elections and by-elections? Ian Richards You can use this material to further your understanding and aid your revision of this topic. General elections Function to elect a national government Traditionally called by the PM at a time of his choosing (though Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 now sets 5-year intervals) National focus/campaign Usually 60%+ turnout Fought across a range of policies and issues (publication of party manifestos etc.) Reflects previous 5-year national picture (leadership of parties, policy successes/failures, economic climate etc.) Three main parties dominate the results Taken seriously by parties and most of the public, as the next government will be formed By-elections Function to elect a single MP Called after resignation/death/departure of the sitting MP e.g. Oldham 2011 after de-selection of Phil Woolas Local focus — although national party leaders will often visit to give support and attention e.g. Crewe and Nantwich 2008 (Cameron visited several times to ensure victory) Low turnout e.g. Manchester Central 2012 was 18% Fought across a narrower range of policies, sometimes one issue or a local topic e.g. Blaenau Gwent 2006 was lost by Labour after a rebellion by local Labour activists against the party's chosen candidate Typically reflect perceptions of the parties at a given moment in time — often act as a mini- referendum on the governing party e.g. Lib Dem collapse in Barnsley in March 2011; Labour collapse during Brown's premiership in Glasgow East 2008 (used by voters to 'send a message' in support of, or more likely against, parties in Westminster) Philip Allan Updates © 2013 1 Often involve protest voting against major parties in support of minor parties e.g. Rotherham 2012 UKIP came 2nd, Lib Dems came 8th Sometimes taken to reflect broader political trends, and used by the media to predict possible results at the next general election e.g. Crewe and Nantwich 2008 Taken less seriously than a general election as only a single seat is at stake, but more likely to have multiple candidates standing because of the media exposure Ian Richards teaches at Charterhouse and is online editor of POLITICS REVIEW Philip Allan Updates © 2013 2 .

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